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Artist Signed
Each print is personally signed by David Crighton.
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Archival Quality
Produced on professional art paper for strong detail and colour reproduction.
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Toronto City Halls brings together two defining eras of Toronto architecture in one carefully composed streetscape. David Crighton’s 1991 illustration contrasts the sweeping modernist towers of New City Hall on the left with the richly detailed stonework and copper roof of Old City Hall on the right. Below, Toronto’s red-and-cream PCC streetcars—affectionately known as “Red Rockets”—rattle beneath a web of overhead wires.
Whether you remember the familiar squeal of these streetcars, have visited Nathan Phillips Square, or appreciate Toronto’s civic history, this artwork captures the city’s past and present meeting at one of its most recognizable intersections.
Year Created: 1991
Location: Queen Street West, looking north up Bay Street, Toronto.
Artist Notes: This illustration depicts New City Hall on the left and Old City Hall on the right, with the streetcars we called “Red Rockets” rattling and squeaking across the foreground. My grandfather headed the office of the Queen’s Printer in Old City Hall for many years, giving the building a personal family connection. Nathan Phillips Square is also home to the annual Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, where I exhibited my work for 24 years.
Featured Details
Old and New City Hall presented in one composition
Old City Hall’s arched stonework and copper roofline
New City Hall’s sweeping modernist towers
Red-and-cream PCC “Red Rocket” streetcars
Crisscrossing trolley wires and classic streetlights
The historic Queen and Bay intersection
A striking contrast between two architectural eras
A layered portrait of Toronto’s civic, transit, and artistic history
Each order is carefully prepared and securely packaged for safe delivery.
Print Only · Frame Not Included
Sizes refer to the paper dimensions. Artwork keeps its original proportions and is never stretched or cropped.
Meet the Artist
About David Crighton
David Crighton's artwork is a celebration of place. Through meticulously hand-drawn illustrations, he captures the character, history, and architectural beauty of the communities that leave a lasting impression on our lives.
Created with exceptional attention to detail, each piece is designed to preserve memories, inspire conversation, and become a timeless addition to any home or collection.
🏛️Drawing for 50+ YearsDetailed architectural artwork shaped by more than five decades of experience.
🍁Canadian HeritageCelebrating the landmarks, neighbourhoods, and places people call home.
🖼️300+ Original IllustrationsHundreds of hand-drawn works capturing architecture, history, and community.
